This first in a series of three texts covers the traditional topics
for College Algebra with a unique emphasis on concepts that are valuable
to other courses or other applications, especially those that can
be explored and illustrated on a graphics calculator. It de-emphasizes
the more manipulative skills in favor of visualization, graphing,
data analysis, an modeling of problems from the physical world.

Teaserssection-opening problems that entice
students to seek solutions.

section-ending problem sets divided into two partsPart
A (Skills and Techniques) offers simpler problem pairs which
follow the text and its examples closely; and Part B (Applications
and Extensions)includes a variety of more demanding problems
that make use of the skills learned in Part A in the broad context
of mathematical, scientific and business applications.

provides special labels for difficult (Challenge)
or skill- developing/experimentation problems and projects.
offers many options for instructors to custom-tailor the
text's organization to suit their particular course objectives.
introduces programming of graphics calculators in the last
chapter where it fits naturally with sequences and series.

(NOTE: A Review Problem Set concludes each chapter.)

1. Numbers, Calculations and Basic Algebra.

The Integers and the Rational Numbers. Real Numbers and
their Properties. Order and Averages. Exponents and their Properties.
Polynomials and their Factors. Rational Expressions. The Complex Numbers.